Out With It: Gay and Straight Teens Write About Homosexuality, Youth Communication’s completely revised second edition of its groundbreaking book, is filled with true stories by teens from all walks of life—gay, lesbian, and transsexual teens, stories by teens in foster care, and stories by straight teens about experiences with their GLBTQ peers.

Chapters are written by both gay and nongay teenagers. A few quotes from the book:

"I graduated from the Harvey Milk School last June,'' wrote Wilber Valenzuela. "Going there changed my life and my memories of that experience will live forever."

"By the time I was 11, I already knew I was gay and I hated myself for it. I hated myself so much that I wanted to kill myself. I wanted to be 'normal.' I didn't want God to punish me and give me AIDS. I didn't want to go to Hell," wrote David Miranda.

"It took two months, but I've learned to accept who [gay people] are and that they can't be changed," wrote Sharif Berkeley, a straight teen who lived in a foster group home with other youths, both gay and nongay. "The concept of being gay is still something that I don't completely understand and probably never will, but all things in the world are not meant to be understood, so they are best left as they are."

The essays, written in the teens' own voices, are moving and contain a few surprises, too.

Here's the book's table of contents. (Click on the links below to read samples):

I’m Religious, Outgoing, African-American, Talented—and Gay, Anonymous 12The author has her first crush on a girl when she’s 13, and comes out three years later with the help of a support group for teens.

Out, Without a Doubt, Xavier Reyes 19Xavier, homophobic at first, comes out when inspired by the example of his gay group home roommate.